The Pattali Makkal Katchi has announced a day-long protest on Sarurday in Cuddalore district against the Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC)’s proposed land acquisition of 25000 acres of agricultural land for its mine expansion.

In regard of this protest, 7,000 police personnel are reported to be deployed for security in the district.

NLC India, which is operating in Neyveli, Cuddalore district, had acquired land in Valayamadevi, Keel Valayamadevi, Karivetti, and surrounding villages for the 2nd mine expansion project. However, the villagers staged several protests demanding proper compensation for the acquired land.  

PMK and other political parties like the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) and Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) are also against the acquisition.

They have said that land acquisition at this stage is surprising because the Centre intends to privatise NLC soon.

The AIADMK’s interim general secretary, EdappadiK. Palaniswami, on Friday urged the State government to hold tripartite talks on the issue of land acquisition for the Neyveli Lignite Corporation’s (NLC) expansion project in Cuddalore district.

In a statement, Mr. Palaniswami said he wanted the government to involve the NLC management and the owners of lands, who feared “losing their livelihoods,” in the proposed talks concerning rehabilitation and resettlement, and to guarantee livelihood opportunities for agricultural workers. He cautioned the government not to “remain lax” in this matter.

The PMK has accused the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) of being hand in glove with the Centre and company authorities on the issue while maintaining a confrontational attitude on other issues.

NLC India Limited is a central public sector undertaking under the control of the Ministry of Coal. It is into mining of lignite (brown coal) and power generation.

Image source: Swarajyamag